HARRISONBURG, Va. – After a lightning delay and a second-half battle with pouring rain, the Hokies came up just short, 10-7, at No. 13 James Madison Wednesday evening. The Hokies fought hard and came to within one goal on numerous occasions, but were unable to closeout against the Dukes.

Senior Morgan Widlake led the Hokies with two goals on the day, while Casey Ancarrow led James Madison with three goals.

The Dukes (2-1) dominated possession early on and were the first to score, seven minutes into the game. They tacked on a second goal five minutes later to extend their early lead.

The Hokies (2-2) responded 30 seconds after the second goal when senior Morgan Widlake went hard at the goal from the right side to put Tech on the board.

After two more James Madison goals, senior Shannon Bone attacked from the left side and helped the Hokies go into the half down just 4-2.

James Madison outshot the Hokies 15-4 in the first half, while Tech was also plagued by 11 turnovers in the opening period.

The Dukes wasted no time in the second half as Ancarrow connected on a fast break goal off the opening draw just 15 seconds into the new period.

Five minutes later junior Julia Heaps sparked the Hokies as she snuck in a shot from a scrum in front of the goal. Junior Libby Rosebro tacked on another goal for the Hokies two minutes later when she buried a pass from senior Jessica Nonn to make it 5-4, James Madison.

The Dukes responded with three straight goals over the next five minutes, which were followed by a drought on both ends of the field.

With nine minutes remaining in the game, Nonn made a spin move towards the goal to end the lull in scoring by both teams. Four minutes later it was Widlake again, as she buried a shot and cut the James Madison lead to two, at 8-6.

Lightning struck immediately following the Widlake goal, which forced both teams to head inside and wait the 30 minute mandated time before play could resume.

With 5:35 remaining in the game, and the rain still pouring down, play resumed after the delay and the Hokies came back recharged. Freshman Megan Will made it a one-goal game after Tech won the draw and she put away a shot from the left side of the field.

The Dukes would not allow Tech to get any closer, though. Amy Rogunski added two goals in the final 2:30 of the game to put it out of reach for the Hokies.

Turning things around in the second half, Tech outshot the Dukes 14-9 in the second half and committed only five turnovers, compared to James Madison’s eight.

Despite the loss, the Hokie defense put forth a strong effort and junior Alex Gale finished the day with seven saves. Alex Manghetti was in goal for the Dukes and made five saves in the game.

The Hokies hit the field again on Saturday, March 3 as they return home to host UC Davis at Noon.

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